How to select the memory for a gaming computer.

The amount of memory required for a gaming computer depends to a large extent on which games will be played on the computer. While most of the games developed a decade ago required only 4 GB of RAM, increasingly the new games being developed require more RAM memory for an optimal experience. Like other applications, many of the games will specify the amount of memory required for optimal performance. For example, Mass Effect: Andromeda specifies that 8 GB RAM is the required minimum memory. It is also recommended that some additional memory should be installed, in case other applications like chatting are opened while playing games.

The memory of a computer is used to store important data so that it is easily retrieved. While increasing the memory to 8 GB or 16 GB can improve the performance of the gaming computer, additional increases in RAM will not significantly improve the gaming experience, which largely depends on CPU speed and graphics card which is being used. Those who are interested in having a budget gaming laptop will find that 8 GB RAM is adequate and is also affordable. Many gaming experts found that there was no noticeable improvement in the gaming experience, when the memory was upgraded from 8 GB RAM to 16 GB.

RAM is used extensively in a large variety of electronic products like smartphones, cameras, graphics cards, cars, gadgets and machines. Due to the increase in demand, the price of memory has increased to a very great extent in the last few years. The different types of memory available for gaming computers can be classified into DDR4, DDR3 and RGB memory. DDR4 is the latest memory technology and is fairly expensive. DDR3 was used extensively in laptops earlier and is comparatively inexpensive. RGB memory has lighting. G.Skill, Corsair, Patriot Viper and Crucial are some of the major manufacturers of RAM.

Some of the features of the memory modules available which are used to compare the performance, price while purchasing are the speed of the memory, the CAS latency and voltage of the memory. The CAS latency is the time taken by the memory controller to access the memory. The latency is measured in nanoseconds, it is typically 10-15 nanoseconds and is usually not noticeable. It should be noted that it is possible to use multiple memory sticks on the same motherboard, however the speed at which the RAM will operate, depends on the slowest RAM module. The design of the heatsink is also important, since overheating can affect the performance.

Memory modules with RGB lighting serve no purpose other than improving the aesthetics of the gaming computer. They are mainly used when a glass shell is used for the computer case, and are significantly more expensive than conventional memory modules. However, these modules have become extremely popular among gamers. Some of the top rated RGB modules are G.Skill TridentZ RGB, Corsair Vengeance RGB, Patriot Viper RGB, HyperX Predator RGB. The G.Skill TridentZ RGB is highly rated by most gaming experts, operates at a frequency of 2400 Mhz, 1.2 V , has five LEDs which can be addressed separately, and has a frosted diffuser.

DDR4 RAM is the latest technology memory and the price has declined to some extent in the last year. Gamers who are using the latest technology CPU from AMD or Intel, should use the DDR4 memory for optimal performance. Many Gaming experts agree that the Corsair Dominator, Patriot Viper Elite, Corsair Vengeance LPX, G.skill Ripjaws V, Crucial Ballistix Sport are the top rated DDR4 memory. The Corsair Dominator is available in modules of 16-128 GB, and comes with inbuilt fan cooling. These memory modules operate at a voltage of 1.35 V, frequency of 3333 MHz, though the voltage can be increased to 1.45 V. Corsair products are considered to be very reliable. Most other DDR4 memories are operating at 1.2V voltage and a frequency of 2400 MHz.

Many gamers with a limited budget, may be using older motherboards, or are upgrading their existing motherboard. In these cases, the memory slots are only compatible with DDR3 memory. Additionally, the DDR3 memory is also significantly cheaper than comparable DDR4 memory modules. Patriot Viper 3, Corsair Vengeance, Kingston HyperX Fury are some of the DDR3 modules available. Most of these modules are only available for capacity up to 32 GB.
Hence based on the budget available, a gamer building a gaming computer can choose a suitable DDR3, DDR4 or RGB memory module.